Alpenrose — Fine-dining establishment in downtown Holland has a touch of Bavaria in the decor and adjacent cafe and retail shop; menu includes a wide array of European-influenced dishes and traditional German cuisine. Open daily. 4 E. Eighth St., Holland, 393-2111, alpenroserestaurant.com. $$

The Butler — Home of the famous Butler burger, this Saugatuck staple overlooking the Kalamazoo River offers a wide selection of seafood, steaks, sandwiches, soups, salad and more. 40 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-3501, thebutlerrestaurant.com. $, $$

Chequers of Saugatuck — A touch of London in downtown Saugatuck comes from a menu with United Kingdom flavor and a dark, wooded, British pub atmosphere to match. Open daily in summer months, open Thursday-Sunday in winter. 220 Culver St., Saugatuck, 269-857-1868, chequersofsaugatuck.com. $$

Creveling’s — Home of The Big Ugly Burger, a one-third pound burger with ham, turkey and bacon, and Swiss, American and cheddar cheeses topped with “ugly sauce” on a pretzel bun. Also offer sandwiches, salads and entrees. Open daily. 134 E. Division Ave., Sparta, 887-8030. $

Downtown Trini’s — A diverse Mexican-based menu and plenty of atmosphere are the marks of this downtown Sparta eatery that has become a favorite dining spot in West Michigan, largely by word of mouth; from standard fare such as wet burritos to some specialty tacos. Closed Sunday and Monday. 148 E. Division Ave., Sparta, 887-2500, downtowntrinis.com. $

Flat River Grill — Located in a restored historic building in downtown Lowell, this eatery is part of the Gilmore collection of area restaurants; menu features salads, “small plate” appetizers, pork, pasta and seafood; patio dining along the river. Open daily. 201 E. Main St., 897-8523, thegilmorecollection.com. $, $$

Fricano’s — Pizza specialty place has one item on the menu — a 12-inch thin-crust pizza with limited options for toppings; due to popularity of the restaurant, be prepared to stand in line outside for 20 to 30 minutes. Closed Sunday. Grand Haven, 842-8640. $

Grant Depot — Known for good homemade food at reasonable prices, this is an old railroad depot, and the spirit of a day gone by lives on in photos, memorabilia and a small electric train circling one of the dining rooms overhead. Open daily. 22 W. Main St., Grant, 231-834-7361. $

The Grill House — Grill-your-steak house near Allegan offers top cuts of rib, loin and sirloin that diners select from the butcher’s display case in the grill room; each dinner comes with an array of side dishes; chicken, pork and seafood also available. Open daily. 1071 M-40, Allegan, 269-686-9192, grillhouse.net. $$, $$$

The Grill Room — The pricier side to The Kirby Grill in downtown Grand Haven specializes in steak and seafood dishes. Open after 5 p.m. daily. 2 Washington St., 846-3299, thegilmorecollection.com. $$

Gringo’s Grill — Located near the Lakeshore Mall, this new eatery puts a unique twist on Latin American favorites. Guacamole prepared tableside is a standout. Open daily. 2863 West Shore Drive, Holland, 994-9722, gringosgrill.net. $

Kirby Grill — Downtown Grand Haven spot features three restaurants in one. The Grill is a casual choice offering a wide selection of American fare, appetizers, fish and pasta; located in a hotel dating back to the 1870s. Open daily. 2 Washington Ave. SE; 846-3299, thegilmorecollection.com. $

London Grill — This lively outpost of the British Empire offers Indian food with proper English sensibilities, everything from curry to fish and chips. Open daily. 200 E. Bridge St., Plainwell, 269-685-1877, london-grill.com. $$

Monterey Grille Restaurant and Lounge — Trendy and traditional food in a family-friendly dining room with large booths; large portions of homemade dishes are featured, some with a Southwest flavor. Open daily. 9175 Cherry Valley Road, Caledonia, 891-2928. $

Piper — Great view of Lake Macatawa; wood-oven pizzas are a favorite. Open Tuesday through Saturday from September through April; open seven days May-August. 2225 South Shore Drive, Holland, 335-5866, piperrestaurant.com. $$

Porto Bello — Located in downtown Grand Haven, this restaurant offers a casual atmosphere in an old piano factory with a view of the Grand River channel. Pasta, chicken, veal and pizza. Open daily. 41 Washington St., 846-1221, enjoyportobello.com. $$

Public — Zeeland's first downtown restaurant opened by Lucas Grill, former general manager of the 1913 Room. Public combines classic American comfort foods with an upscale atmosphere. Open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday. 131 E. Main Ave., Zeeland; 616-741-9772. $$

Restaurant Toulouse — Everything is made from scratch in this converted 1900 livery, where the French-trained chef and his staff custom-cut the meat. Open daily, but hours vary. 248 Culver St., Saugatuck, 269-857-1561, restauranttoulouse.com. $$$

Salt of the Earth — The locally-sourced and homemade ethos extends from the locally ground coffee to the trademark “seedy salt” bread and from martinis to entrees at this wonderful bakery, restaurant and night spot, where live entertainment often is featured on weekends. Open daily. 114 E Main St., Fennville; 269-561-7258, saltoftheearthfennville.com. $$, $$$

Sandy Point Beach House - Get steaks and fresh seafood for dinner, burgers and sandwiches for lunch at this eatery on Pigeon Lake. Closed Mondays. 7175 Lakeshore Ave., West Olive, 796-8210, sandypointbeachhouse.com, $, $$.

Seasonal Grille — The name reflects its owner’s passion for seasonally fresh and locally-sourced ingredients for its Italian cuisine, and the restaurant is as lovely as its dishes are tasty. Open daily. 150 W. State St., Hastings. 269-948-9222, seasonalgrille.com. $, $$

Snug Harbor — Situated along the Grand River channel to Lake Michigan, this is one of the few Grand Haven restaurants on the waterfront. Varied menu. Open daily. 311 S. Harbor Drive; 846-8400, harborrestaurants.com. $$

Spectators Sports Bar and Grill — The dining hall is decorated with sports memorabilia and about a dozen TV sets; a bar menu with soups and desserts is featured. Open daily. 6432 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck, 269-857-5001, spectatorsrestaurant.com. $$

Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro — Nearly everything is bistro chic redefining frites, steaks and fish fillets with a modern take. The pub brews four to five handcrafted ales. Open daily. 105 E. State St., Hastings, 269-945-4400, walldorffbrewpub.com. $, $$

Water Tower Grille — A great place to grab a burger, a beer and more after a golf game, Candlestone Golf and Resort’s restaurant offers casual dining. Open daily. 8100 Storey Road, Belding, 794-1580. $, $$

The What Not Inn — Lively spot in the country near Lake Michigan offers full dinner menu; frequent live entertainment. Closed Tuesday. 2405 68th St., Fennville, 269-543-3341, whatnotinn.com. $, $$